Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship by Exception: TURKISH CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

Exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship is based on Article 12 of Law No. 5901 and the relevant provisions of the Regulation. Within this scope, it is possible to apply for citizenship through the purchase of real estate worth at least 400,000 USD or through other investment options.

Exceptional Acquisition of Turkish Citizenship and Its Legal Basis

Pursuant to Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law (“TCL”), individuals who do not pose a threat to national security and public order; those who bring industrial facilities to Türkiye; those who have provided or are considered likely to provide outstanding services in scientific, technological, economic, social, sports, cultural, or artistic fields and are proposed by the relevant ministry; investors who make an investment in accordance with the amount prescribed in the Regulation; and foreigners holding a Turquoise Card may acquire Turkish citizenship by exception.

Real Estate Investment Requirements for Turkish Citizenship

An application for Turkish citizenship by investment is possible upon making an investment that meets the criteria set out in the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law (“RITCL”). The investment types listed under Article 20 of the RITCL include:

• Investing in the areas specified in the article by keeping at least 500,000 USD in the system for three years,

• Purchasing real estate worth at least 400,000 USD with full cash payment and placing a three-year no-sale annotation,

• Creating employment for at least 50 people.

Required Documents for Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Investment

• Application Form (VAT-4)

• Two biometric photos sized 50x60 mm on a white, patternless background in compliance with ICAO standards

• Passport or similar document showing the applicant’s nationality; if stateless, a document evidencing stateless status, if obtainable

• Marital status certificate and, if married, marriage certificate; if divorced, divorce certificate; if widowed, spouse’s death certificate

• Document showing the applicant’s identity information such as a birth certificate or population registry record, and if married, documents proving family ties with spouse and children

• If the applicant’s date of birth lacks month and day, a document from competent authorities of his/her country completing the date of birth; if this cannot be obtained, a signed declaration agreeing to the procedure under Article 39 of Law No. 5490

• Receipt showing payment of service fees to the Ministry of Finance

Application Process for Citizenship by Investment

The citizenship application process for a foreigner planning to invest by purchasing real estate worth 400,000 USD consists of the following steps:

• Foreigners purchasing real estate for Turkish citizenship must meet the conditions required by law. The property must have condominium or construction servitude, or be classified as land with an existing structure. However, if a promise-to-sell contract is to be executed, the property cannot be unbuilt land. Once legal requirements are met, the citizenship process can be safely initiated.

• A Real Estate Valuation Report is prepared via the Web-Tapu online system to confirm the investment value.

• A Certificate of Real Estate Value Verification showing that the property meets the minimum investment requirement under the Regulation is obtained through Web-Tapu.

• The foreign investor sells the required foreign currency amount to a bank, and the bank issues a Foreign Exchange Purchase Document. This document is forwarded to the relevant Land Registry Directorate via KEP.

• The purchase price is paid to the seller; a certified bank receipt that includes the information in the foreign exchange purchase document is submitted to the Land Registry Directorate.

• The Land Registry Directorate prepares the official deed and notifies the foreign investor by SMS for signature.

• On the scheduled date, the foreigner signs the documents at the Land Registry Directorate. Upon completion, a “no-sale for three years” annotation is placed on the property, and the title deed is registered in the foreigner’s name.

• Upon request, the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre or the Regional Directorate issues a Real Estate Investment Certificate.

• The information is shared with the competent authority, and a Certificate of Eligibility is obtained.

• A short-term residence permit (under Article 31/1-j of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection) is applied for and obtained.

• After preparing the required documents, the foreigner submits the Turkish citizenship application to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs where he/she resides.

Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship Applications

Can I Apply for Turkish Citizenship From Abroad?Applications for acquisition of Turkish citizenship must be submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs where the foreigner resides in Türkiye, or to Turkish foreign missions abroad. Applications cannot be submitted by mail.

Do the Spouse and Children of the Investor Also Obtain Citizenship?Foreigners making qualifying investments may acquire Turkish citizenship along with their foreign spouse and their own or their spouse’s minor or dependent children. However, real estate acquired by a legal entity or registered under a spouse, child, manager, or partner is not considered within this scope.

Does the Foreign Applicant Need to Be Physically Present During the Citizenship by Investment Process?

The process can be conducted through an attorney; therefore, the foreigner may proceed without being present in Türkiye. The applicant must personally attend the residence permit appointment under Article (j) to undergo retina and fingerprint scans. No additional in-person step is required.

Can Multiple Properties Be Purchased for Citizenship?

There is no limit on the number of properties that may be acquired or included in a promise-to-sell contract for citizenship purposes.

Can Co-Owned Property Be Used for the Application?

Properties purchased in co-ownership after 01/02/2023, as well as agricultural properties or unbuilt land acquired after 12/12/2023, do not meet the required qualifications for citizenship applications.

How Long Does the Application Process Take?

When carried out with the assistance of an attorney, the average processing time is approximately one year.

What Is the Role of Professional Legal Assistance in the Citizenship Application Process?Issues commonly arise regarding missing mandatory statements in documents, lack of independent unit status under Law No. 634 on Condominium Ownership, acquisition for agricultural purposes, acquisition of unbuilt land, or applications based on multiple promise-to-sell contracts. Conducting the process under the guidance of a specialized attorney protects the applicant’s financial and legal interests.

For those seeking a reliable partner throughout every stage of the citizenship application process, our law firm is here with expertise and experience.For more information and professional assistance,

please contact us at:

info@akyuzlaw.com

Kind regards, Akyüz Law & Consultancy